If you’re searching for an honest Abbreviated Apparel review, here it is.
By the way, if you to try the brand for yourself, use the code BROCKMCGOFF for 15% off of your order.
Note: This isn’t a sponsored review. I haven’t been paid to write it or to say anything positive about the brand. Heck, they don’t even know I’m writing this 😏
Let’s get into it…
My Background & Expectations
I’ve tried just about every brand that makes clothing for shorter guys, from Peter Manning NYC and Jimmy Au’s to Under 510 and Ash & Erie (not to mention, all of the custom and made-to-measure brands out there).
So when Mike from Abbreviated Apparel sent over some pieces for me to try, I was cautiously optimistic.
But I’ll just say this upfront:
I’m impressed. Like, genuinely excited about this brand.
Here’s everything you need to know…
What Is Abbreviated Apparel?
Abbreviated Apparel is a newer menswear brand focused specifically on shorter men — guys who are tired of hemming everything and settling for sleeves that swallow their hands.
The brand was founded by Mike (a shorter guy himself), and you can tell the mission isn’t just “make things shorter.”
It’s really about:
- Modern proportions
- Clean, cohesive color palettes
- Updated fits (not skin-tight 2014 slim)
- Pieces that actually work together
A lot of brands for shorter men feel a bit scattered. You can tell that the founders didn’t have a background in fashion and, frankly, don’t care very much about their own personal style.
Abbreviated is different. If you look at Mike’s personal Instagram, you can tell right away that he has an eye for menswear and cares about his appearance.
Luckily, he also has a decade of experience with major brands like Abercrombie and Old Navy, so he understands the back end of the business too.
Overall Impressions
Before I get into each item, here’s my big-picture take:
- The styling is modern but approachable
- The fits are shorter without being aggressively slim
- The colors all work together
- The pricing feels fair for what you’re getting
- You don’t need alterations
Honestly, this might be the brand I’m most excited about right now.
Now let’s talk specifics.
Abbreviated Apparel Review: Every Item I Tried
In no particular order…
Standard Tee (Dark Grey, Small)
This is the kind of basic that tells you whether a brand knows what they’re doing.
Fit: Pretty much perfect. If it shrank 1″ in the wash, I wouldn’t be upset about it (which is nice because I don’t have to worry about machine drying it).
Fabric: Super soft. Not flimsy or overly heavy, just solid.
Details I Like:
- Snug collar
- Dark neutral color
- No weird torso blousing
If you’re a shorter guy, you know how rare it is to find a tee that isn’t way too long.
This one will probably work for you.
Twill Overshirt (Shadow, Small)
Overshirts are tricky for shorter men because length and proportions can get weird fast.
You know, chest pockets are too low, sleeves are too long, etc.
This one is has a nice contemporary fit, and the length is just right.
Fit: Classic fit without being too long. I could probably size down to XS, but if I was going to wear this as a layering piece, more room would make sense.
The S would look better with the straighter fit pants, though (vs. slim fit).
Weight: Substantial, much heavier than a normal button up shirt.
Styling: The “Shadow” color is versatile and understated.
It feels current without being trendy; a very nice middle layering piece.
Chore Coat (Peat, XS)
I tried this in both Small and XS. I like XS better for my 5’6″ 125 lbs build.
This is the one, gents. Nice heavy fabric, perfect length.
It’s slightly roomier than my XS chore coat from Ash & Erie, which is nice because it actually allows for layering.
My Ash & Erie chore coat is great too, don’t get me wrong. But realistically, I can only wear a t-shirt under it.
The Abbreviated version gives me room for a sweater without losing proportions.
This is going to be my go-to light outerwear for the mild falls and winters we get where I live.
Slim Jeans (Light Wash, 30×28)
These surprised me in a good way!
Fit: Perfect. No notes. I’d say these run slightly small (feels more like what other brands would call a 28-29 waist).
They’re slightly slimmer than the Abercrombie 90s Straight, mid rise, perfect length with a slight break on my 5’6″ frame.
No belt needed, unless you want to wear one.
Wash: Light wash with subtle distressing. Casual but not teenage, if that makes any sense.
These might be my new favorite everyday jeans.
Standard Straight Jeans (Dark Medium Wash, 30×28)
If you’re moving away from slim fits (like most millennials are), these are interesting.
Fit: Noticeably roomier than the Slim Fit Jeans; bit more room than Abercrombie’s 90s Straight.
These are slightly loose in the waist for me. If they offered a 29 waist, I’d try that. A 28 might work, but could be tight in the hips.
Length: Perfect for a slight break look.
Out of the bag, they flare slightly at the hem — that goes away after a few hours of wear:
Wash: Love this medium wash. It’s a more relaxed alternative to dark or raw denim.
These jeans feel modern without screaming “I’m trying to look trendy.”
Lined Work Jacket (XS)
This is my new favorite light or mid-weight jacket. It has that tough workwear vibe, really makes you want to break it in.
The slightly cropped length, the corduroy collar, the flannel lining and metal snap cuffs…it’s just nicely done.
I’ve been wearing this jacket a lot lately.
Cotton Fisherman Sweater (Navy, XS)
This fisherman sweater has also been getting tons of wear lately.
If you’re thinking the sleeves look long, they’re the correct functional length (i.e., they keep your wrist warm even when you’re moving around).
But also, most fisherman sweaters have long sleeves with wide cuffs that are meant to be rolled to the desired length.
So you could roll these if you wanted to.
Regardless, this is a heavyweight, drapey, cozy sweater that’s perfect for fall and winter.
Abbreviated Apparel vs. Peter Manning NYC
If you’re searching for an Abbreviated Apparel review, you’re probably also considering Peter Manning NYC. Here’s my take:
Abbreviated:
- More affordable
- More modern styling
- Cleaner, more cohesive color palettes
- More current fits
Peter Manning NYC:
- Larger collection
- More preppy aesthetic
- Hit or miss fits/colors/patterns
PMNYC paved the way. But stylistically, Abbreviated feels more aligned with where menswear is right now.
Abbreviated Apparel vs. Ash & Erie
You may also be searching for Abbreviate vs. Ash & Erie comparisons. Here ya go!
Abbreviated:
- Smaller catalog
- More cohesive styling
- Slightly more affordable
- Runs shorter and less slim
Ash & Erie has some strong pieces that I were regularly, and they’ve leaned into performance wear (think golf clothes).
But again, Abbreviated feels more current and versatile.
Who Is Abbreviated Apparel For?
I’d say this brand is ideal for:
- Shorter men (5’2″–5’9″)
- Millennials easing out of ultra-slim fits
- Guys who want modern styling without looking trendy
- Men who are tired of tailoring everything
If you want super skinny fits? Probably not your brand.
If you want slightly roomier, updated proportions that still look sharp? You’ll love it.
Is Abbreviated Apparel Worth It?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: The quality feels good. The fabrics feel intentional. The colors work together.
The fits are dialed in. And you don’t need alterations. That alone saves time and money.
Right now, Abbreviated is probably the brand I’m most excited about in the shorter-men space.
Abbreviated Apparel Discount Code
You can get 15% off at abbreviated.shop/BROCKMCGOFF (or use the code BROCKMCGOFF).
If you haven’t tried Abbreviated yet, this is your sign.
With free returns and exchanges (on U.S. orders), you don’t have anything to lose!